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Minimum and Maximum Unit Load

Students should plan to enroll in 15 units of course work each semester to earn a degree or certificate in a timely manner.

Those wishing to enroll for more than 19 units in a regular semester or 10 units in a summer session must have completed a college term of at least 15 units with a minimum 3.5 GPA. A request for excess units must be approved by the Dean of Student Services.

To qualify for one of the categories listed below, students must carry a minimum course load in a fall or spring semester as follows:

  • Full-time Student: 12 units per semester.

  • International Student: 12 units per semester.

  • Work-Study Student: 12 units per semester.

  • Social Security, California State Disability, and P.L. 674 Students: 12 units per semester.

  • Military Benefits: Full-time (12 units per semester); three-quarter time (9 units) half-time (6 units).

  • Student Body Officer: 12 units per semester.

  • Varsity Athlete: 12 units, and P.E. if required.

  • Cooperative Education: Total of 7 units per semester.

There is a Limit on Non Degree-Applicable Basic Skills Courses

Students are limited to a total of 30 units in non degree-applicable basic skills courses (i.e., courses that are not college-level). Students who have completed a total of 26 units of non degree-applicable basic skills course work, excluding ESL courses, must apply for a waiver of the 30-unit limitation to continue in remedial course work. Petitions and procedures are available at the Admissions and Records office.